European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed Parliament in her first State of the European Union speech, outlining her plan for a green recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. Climate, the importance of unity and cooperation and the next seven-year budget were key elements of the debate..

health (2841)

climate change

EU budget

employment (4406)

Environment

Von der Leyen tells Parliament she will lead the EU to green recovery

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/3935626/N01-PUB-200916-SOTE-EN.srt

health crisis was the first priority outlined

by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

made before the members of the European Parliament.

would lead the way to a strong economic recovery.

We turned fear and division between member states

for the here and now, but to shape a better world,

a better way of living for the world of tomorrow.

cannot come at the expense of the climate.

There is no more urgent need for acceleration

than when it comes to the future of our fragile planet.

the planet continued to get dangerously hotter.

The Commission announced an ambitious increase

of 2030 emissions reduction targets to 55%

- and will earmark 37% of the recovery plan

for achieving European Green Deal objectives.

and employment, and make them a priority.

You can spend the money of the recovery fund only once.

Our priority is the future of Europe's young generation.

Let us use one third of the recovery fund

Let us not forget that people are part of this transition

so we need a strategy to counter poverty,

including child poverty and including minimum wage.

of enforcing rule of law across member states.

The rule of law is not an abstract issue,

and it is your responsibility to stand by the Parliament

in this fight as well as in the fight for own resources

and uphold the fundamentals of EU treaties.

There can be no discount on the rule of law,

While others called for more independence

and a strong position in the face of foreign powers.

The health crisis highlighted our dependence

and vulnerability in the face of this Asian superpower.

If you and your Commission continue on the current course,

of my fellow group leaders here this morning,

The same recipes which have led us to the precipice.

Parliament also praised von der Leyen's commitment

to social issues and to stamping out racism and hate speech.

The Commission says it is more determined

than ever to use its plans for a digital revolution